Michael Phelps Marijuana Bong Smoking Photo: “I’m Sorry”

Sports star Michael Phelps has apologized for his “regrettable” behavior and “bad judgment” after a photo depicting the history-making Olympian using a bong, which is frequently used to smoke marijuana, was published in a British tabloid over the weekend. In a statement released to The Associated Press on Sunday, the swimmer, who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games last Summer, acknowledged the authenticity of the exclusive picture published in Britain’s News of the World late Saturday.

“You could tell Michael had smoked before. He grabbed the bong and a lighter and knew exactly what to do,” a source told the tab.

“He looked just as natural with a bong in his hands as he does swimming in the pool. He was the gold medal winner of bong hits. Michael ended up getting a little paranoid, though, because before too long he looked like he was nervous and ran out of the place.”

Phelps says: “I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.”